5/15
As I write this, I realize many locals will be asking, "Lady, haven't you ever been to the beach before?!" The answer is, no, not really. I know I went when I was about eight but my memory is not that long. First tip, go during the off season! We went on May 15th, a Monday morning, and got primo parking at the Boardwalk. The Boardwalk is cool. It's a bunch of restaurants and some shops and home to a pretty damn good gelato shop. The best part is that you can walk right through to the back and have access to the gorgeous beach.
White sand. Gorgeous blue-green water. Spectacular. It was already approaching 90 degrees, so as the season goes on, God help you. Too hot for me. Here's some tips. Don't forget your hats at home. Use 1000 SPF everywhere -- and don't forget your face! When you DO forget your face, don't post a selfie on Facebook! People come out of the woodwork to implore you to use sunscreen. For the record, I only had spray stuff and before I could borrow my cousin's lotion, my little guy was off and running. Bring a gallon of water (more if you can lug it down the sand). Dehydration is just around the corner. Save yourself.
Walking back to the Boardwalk after sitting in the sun is just plain comical. It's like uphill and one step propels you forward about two inches. Do yourself a favor and go up the three steps to the literal boardwalk and take the easy way out. I had to step up about a foot to get in the pavilion and I needed help! I bashed my leg...just take the steps and act like you're cool. (You'll thank the Minnesota lady later.) There is also a shower there to rinse off the sand and salt water. Take advantage! The bathrooms are huge but they're poorly lit (or maybe my corneas were burnt...I forgot my own sunglasses, too).
The biggest tip of all - get in the water. Don't worry about how you look because no one cares. I now have an awesome memory of getting knocked over by a wave and taking my son with me. He informed me that he "was not a fan" of the salty water and was done with the ocean. Luckily, sand castles and a kite kept us out there a little longer. While the beach life is not for me, I can see why people love it. read more